Financial Fitness Competition
Finding Freedom NOW
This Is How We Do It
NOW is a seven-month-long competition that gives participants a better understanding of their income vs. expenses while creating healthier spending habits. Teams are led by a PenAir Credit Union Certified Financial Counselor (lovingly referred to as their NOW Coach).
Together they will build a better understanding of how to:
Understand Finance Basics
Get a clearer picture of their finances with personalized, confidential, one-on-one coaching.
Balance A Budget
Develop healthy spending habits and learn how to build a budget that fits their needs.
Manage A Credit Score
Learn what it takes to eliminate debt to improve their credit score and financial wellness.
Cash In On The Competition
Now that they have a personalized game plan, it’s time to put in the work and transform their financial future. We like to think that the ultimate prize is the financial freedom our teams earn through the journey. But, there is literally cash on the line…. each team has the chance to win the grand prize of $10,000.
Transformation Over Time
Money doesn’t grow on trees, but over time small changes add up to BIG successes.
MEET OUR 2024-25 NOW TEAMS & COACHES
Team DiPaolo
Pete & Carolyn DiPaolo
Pete and Carolyn are a retired couple that have settled in Silverhill, Alabama, after a career in the Navy. Follow the couple’s journey as they work with their NOW Coach, J.M., to learn how to budget better; assess their needs from their wants; and focus on building a financial future for them and their family.
J.M. Parker
J.M. Parker is celebrating her 5th year at PenAir Credit Union. She has been a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor for 2 years. It’s her passion to serve others and helping our members find solutions that fit their needs. J.M. appreciates the sacrifices Pete and Carolyn have made during their military service and plans to help them grow their savings, pay down debt, and maintain their lifestyle on their retirement funds.
Team Harrington
Essie Harrington
Essie Harrington is a single mom navigating life caring for her daughter and her elderly mother. Learn how Essie, and her NOW Coach, Kennan, focus on taking care of her financial future through paying down debt and building up her savings.
Kennan Martin
Kennan Martin is in his 2nd year at PenAir Credit Union. He is passionate about helping members establish a proper budget and became a Certified Financial Counselor to help them form a plan for tackling debt. Kennen is happy to help Essie take control of her financial health and set an example for her daughter by grow her savings and retirement accounts and paying down debts.
Team Randolph
The Randolph Family
The Randolph family is working together to learn how to deal with life’s twists and turns – without letting it affect their savings for the future. Join the Randolph family and their NOW Coach, Amanda, as they grow their knowledge on how they spend money and create a plan for a more stable financial future.
Amanda Chapa
Amanda Chapa is celebrating her seventh year at PenAir Credit Union. She has been a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor since 2021, allowing her to reach a wider variety of PenAir members longing for financial education. She is excited to help the Randolphs, and their children, minimize debt while gaining a better understanding for their family’s financial dynamics.
Past Now Teams
Check out the previous teams and their journey to a better financial future.
Takeaways and Lessons
Along the way, NOW teams and their coaches will share their experiences through short blogs and video updates. Check out how previous NOW finalists have navigated their way to financial freedom.
What’s A Financial Advisor?
NOW - Team Johnson: Chipping Away the Debt
Interested in learning more?
At PenAir Credit Union, we believe in empowering our members to achieve their financial dreams. To participate in NOW 2024, you simply need to:
- Be a PenAir member or eligible to join the PenAir Credit Union and willing to open transactional accounts for purposes of monitoring contest results. Don’t worry if you are not a member yet; we are excited to welcome you aboard!
- Must demonstrate a need for NOW and a commitment to significantly improve your financial situation. Here are some examples:
- Planning for your future, whether it’s retirement, education, buying a home, or reducing debt.
- Setting savings goals and sharing your progress with us regularly.
- Being open to working closely with a NOW Financial Coach, who will support you through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
- Willingness to share your financial journey with the community through interviews for print and electronic media.
- Must have not declared bankruptcy in the last 12 months.
- Must not have caused PenAir Credit Union a loss.
- NOW participants must execute all waivers and agreements required by PenAir Credit Union
Rest assured; we understand not everyone’s financial journey is the same. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to make significant strides, PenAir Credit Union is here to support you every step of the way!
Our dedicated committee, comprised of PenAir team members, will carefully review all applications. If you’re selected, you’ll have the opportunity to interview with us. We’ll also conduct a background check to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Applicants not selected; will be notified by email.
Once selected, you’ll embark on a transformative journey towards financial empowerment. Over the course of the year, you’ll:
- Work closely with your assigned NOW Financial Coach to develop personalized strategies.
- Engage in various activities, including media interviews and educational sessions, designed to enhance your financial literacy.
- Track your progress towards your savings and debt reduction goals.
Throughout the remainder of the year, participants will work towards their goals – working with financial coaches, completing various media interviews, attending educational sessions, etc. The contest will end on March 31, 2025.
Points will be awarded in three categories:
- Increase in savings – based on percentage increase
- Debt reduction – based on a percentage increase
- Participation in program events – coach meetings, educational sessions, etc.
A committee of credit union employees will review the participants’ results in April 2025 and a winner will be determined. The winner will be announced in April 2025. Only one application per individual or family is permitted. All decisions of PenAir are final, absolute, and not subject to inquiry. The $10,000 prize will be awarded to the family that earns the most points during the contest.
Ready to take the first step towards financial freedom? Apply now and let’s embark on this journey together! At PenAir Credit Union, we’re not just about banking; we are about enhancing lives. Your financial well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you thrive.
**Disclaimer** Any materials sent to PenAir in support of your application will be retained by PenAir, will become the property of PenAir’s NOW 2024, and will not be returned to you regardless of whether you are selected as a participant. Any expenses you incur during your application process, including postage and materials preparation are your responsibility. PenAir will not reimburse you for these expenses.
NOW applications open on June 17, 2024 and will be posted on the Financial Fitness Competition page (so you’re in the right place). You could take home $10,000!
Disclosures
For all events, employees and volunteers of PenAir Credit Union, and their immediate families, are not eligible to participate. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, siblings, children, stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren.